Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Alexander Nikishin is a Russian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 2, 2001, in Oryol, Russia, Nikishin grew up in an athletic family that played an important role in his development as a professional hockey player.
Alexander Nikishin’s girlfriend is Varvara Subbotina, a former Russian artistic swimmer and four-time world champion. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Ivan, on October 7, 2026.
His father is a former competitive boxer, his mother practiced artistic gymnastics, and he has an older sister who previously competed in equestrian sports. Although Nikishin has spoken openly about their athletic backgrounds, the names of his parents and sister have not been reliably established in major public sports publications.
Alexander Nikishin’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
Alexander Nikishin is dating Varvara Subbotina, a retired Russian artistic swimmer who achieved considerable success in international competitions.
The couple began their relationship in 2021 and publicly confirmed it in early 2022.
According to an October 2026 report by Sport-Express, the two athletes initially kept their relationship private before deciding to share photographs together on social media.
Subbotina later explained that they had mutually agreed to make their relationship public because they wanted others to understand that they were already romantically involved.
Their relationship developed in Moscow, where both were pursuing competitive sports careers.
When Nikishin moved to Saint Petersburg to play for SKA in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Subbotina supported him while continuing her own sporting commitments.
Because both athletes maintained demanding training schedules, they initially faced challenges finding time to spend together.
In a September 2024 interview with MAXIM, Nikishin explained that they had learned to balance their schedules and appreciated spending their free time together.
Subbotina subsequently retired from professional artistic swimming in April 2024.
When Nikishin moved to North America to pursue his NHL career with the Carolina Hurricanes, the couple continued building their life together.
In July 2026, Subbotina announced that they were expecting their first child.
Three months later, they welcomed their son, Ivan.
Who Is Varvara Subbotina?
Varvara Subbotina is a former Russian artistic swimmer, previously known as a synchronized swimmer.
She was born on March 21, 2001, in Moscow, Russia.
Subbotina began artistic swimming during childhood and eventually became one of Russia’s successful young athletes in the sport.
During her competitive career, she won four gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships and three gold medals at the European Championships.
She represented Russia in international competitions and became known for her technical abilities and artistic performances.
Her achievements helped establish her reputation as a decorated athlete before she retired from competitive swimming in April 2024.
After retiring, Subbotina spent more time supporting Nikishin’s professional hockey career.
In 2026, she became a mother for the first time, welcoming their son Ivan.
Is Alexander Nikishin Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Alexander Nikishin is married.
Although he has been in a relationship with Varvara Subbotina since 2021 and they have a child together, major Russian sports publications have continued identifying her as his girlfriend or partner.
Sport-Express reported in October 2026 that no marriage had been publicly confirmed.
Therefore, Subbotina should be described as Nikishin’s girlfriend or partner rather than his wife.
Alexander Nikishin’s Children
Alexander Nikishin and Varvara Subbotina have one publicly confirmed child, a son named Ivan, born on October 7, 2026.
His birth was reported by several Russian media outlets, including Sport-Express, Championat, and Sport Mail.
Son: Ivan
Ivan is Alexander Nikishin and Varvara Subbotina’s first child.
He was born on October 7, 2026, in Miami, Florida, United States.
Subbotina announced his arrival through social media, explaining that their family had welcomed a new member.
The announcement attracted congratulations from several prominent Russian artistic swimmers, including Svetlana Romashina, Alla Shishkina, Anastasia Davydova, and Alexandra Patskevich.
SKA Saint Petersburg, Nikishin’s former hockey club, also congratulated the couple on the birth of their son.
The pregnancy had previously been announced on July 30, 2026, when Subbotina shared maternity photographs with her followers.
At the time, she expressed excitement about the couple’s approaching transition into parenthood.
On November 10, 2026, Subbotina celebrated their son’s first month and publicly revealed his name for the first time.
According to a report published by MK Sport, she shared photographs of the baby and identified him as Ivan.
She also described the first month of parenthood as an emotional experience involving sleepless nights, new responsibilities, and considerable happiness.
Both parents expressed their love for their son and their hopes for his future.
Ivan’s birth came just months after Nikishin won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in June 2026, making the year particularly meaningful for the young family.
Does Alexander Nikishin Have a Daughter?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Alexander Nikishin has a daughter.
His son Ivan is his only publicly documented child.
Alexander Nikishin’s Parents
Alexander Nikishin was born into a sporting family in Oryol, Russia.
His father achieved a high level of success in boxing, while his mother participated in artistic gymnastics.
In a February 1, 2019, interview published by the official website of Krylya Sovetov, Nikishin discussed his parents’ athletic backgrounds and their influence on his childhood.
Father: Alexander Nikishin’s Dad
Alexander Nikishin’s father is a former competitive boxer who achieved the title of International Master of Sports in boxing.
Although his full name has not been independently confirmed in the main biographical sources reviewed, his sporting background has been discussed publicly by his son.
In addition to boxing, Nikishin’s father played recreational ice hockey.
He introduced Alexander to skating when he was approximately three years old.
During childhood, Alexander initially wanted to play football and attended a local football program in Oryol.
However, he preferred playing as a goalkeeper rather than participating in other positions.
His parents encouraged him to try a different sport, and his father suggested ice hockey.
A new ice arena had recently opened in Oryol, providing an opportunity for Alexander to begin organized hockey training.
He quickly became interested in the sport and decided to continue playing.
Although his father had an accomplished boxing background, he did not insist that Alexander follow the same career path.
Instead, he supported his son’s interest in hockey.
In a 2021 interview with Sport-Express, Nikishin explained that his father encouraged him to approach competition confidently and avoid being intimidated by opponents.
His father’s influence helped him develop the physical and competitive mentality that later became important to his playing style as a defenseman.
Mother: Alexander Nikishin’s Mom
Alexander Nikishin’s mother previously practiced artistic gymnastics.
Her personal name has not been reliably confirmed in widely available public sports reporting.
According to Nikishin’s 2019 interview with Krylya Sovetov, his mother came from an athletic background and encouraged her children to participate in sports.
She was involved in Alexander’s early sporting decisions, including the family’s decision to move him from football to hockey.
As her son developed his skills, she supported his participation in local hockey programs.
Nikishin eventually moved from Oryol to the Moscow region to pursue stronger hockey development opportunities.
The move required adjustments from the family, but his parents supported his ambitions.
Although Nikishin has occasionally mentioned his mother in interviews, information about her professional career and personal life remains limited.
Alexander Nikishin’s Siblings
Alexander Nikishin has an older sister who previously participated in competitive equestrian sports.
He confirmed her existence and sporting background during a February 2019 interview published by Krylya Sovetov.
Older Sister: Name Not Publicly Confirmed
Alexander Nikishin’s older sister was involved in equestrian sports during her youth.
According to Nikishin, she achieved the Russian sporting classification of Candidate for Master of Sports in equestrian competition.
She subsequently stopped competing and pursued studies in law.
During the period when Nikishin was developing his hockey career in Moscow, his older sister also relocated to the Russian capital.
In his 2019 interview, Alexander explained that she regularly watched his games and supported his progress.
He recalled that she had requested a hockey jersey bearing his surname and number 57.
Her enthusiasm demonstrated the close relationship between the siblings and her support for his professional ambitions.
Although Nikishin publicly acknowledged his sister’s athletic achievements, her name and current occupation have not been reliably confirmed through authoritative sports reporting.
Does Alexander Nikishin Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Alexander Nikishin has a brother.
His older sister is his only publicly documented sibling.
Does Alexander Nikishin Have Other Sisters?
In his 2019 interview, Nikishin also mentioned having two younger female cousins.
Both participated in gymnastics and figure skating during childhood.
However, they are his cousins rather than biological sisters and should not be included in his immediate sibling count.
Alexander Nikishin’s Extended Family
Alexander Nikishin’s extended family also has connections to competitive sports.
Uncle: Former Basketball Player
Nikishin has publicly discussed an uncle who played competitive basketball.
According to his 2019 interview, the uncle moved to Moscow before other members of the family.
He later helped Alexander adjust when the young defenseman relocated from Oryol to pursue better hockey development opportunities.
The uncle’s name has not been reliably established in the publicly available biographical reporting reviewed.
Grandmother
In the same interview, Nikishin mentioned that his grandmother continued living in Oryol after other family members moved to Moscow.
She occasionally traveled to visit the family.
Although her name is not publicly documented, Nikishin’s comments show that he maintained connections with relatives in his hometown.
Alexander Nikishin’s Family Background and Childhood
Alexander Nikishin was born on October 2, 2001, in Oryol, Russia.
He grew up in an athletic household, where boxing, gymnastics, basketball, and hockey were all familiar sports.
His father introduced him to skating at a young age, while his mother supported his early participation in organized sports.
Alexander initially tried football before switching to ice hockey.
He developed his skills in Oryol before relocating to the Moscow region during his teenage years.
Nikishin played in the youth systems of Atlant and CSKA before joining Krylya Sovetov.
He eventually progressed to Spartak Moscow, making his Kontinental Hockey League debut during the 2019–20 season.
In 2020, the Carolina Hurricanes selected him in the third round, 69th overall, of the NHL Draft.
He later joined SKA Saint Petersburg, where he became a leading defenseman and team captain.
Nikishin also represented Russia at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, winning a silver medal.
In April 2025, he signed his first NHL contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.
During the 2025–26 season, he recorded 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points and earned selection to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
He also helped Carolina win the Stanley Cup in June 2026.
On October 25, 2026, the Hurricanes announced that he had signed a new one-year contract worth $3 million for the 2026–27 season.
His professional achievements, combined with the birth of his son Ivan, made 2026 an important year in his personal and sporting life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alexander Nikishin’s Family
Who is Alexander Nikishin’s girlfriend?
Alexander Nikishin’s girlfriend is Varvara Subbotina, a former Russian artistic swimmer and four-time world champion. Their relationship began in 2021.
Is Alexander Nikishin married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Alexander Nikishin is married. Varvara Subbotina is his longtime girlfriend and the mother of his son.
Does Alexander Nikishin have children?
Yes. Alexander Nikishin and Varvara Subbotina welcomed their first child, a son named Ivan, on October 7, 2026.
What is Alexander Nikishin’s son’s name?
His son’s name is Ivan. Varvara Subbotina publicly revealed the name on November 10, 2026, when celebrating the baby’s first month.
Where was Alexander Nikishin’s son born?
Ivan was born in Miami, Florida, on October 7, 2026, according to Russian media coverage of Subbotina’s birth announcement.
Who are Alexander Nikishin’s parents?
His father is a former competitive boxer who achieved the International Master of Sports title, while his mother practiced artistic gymnastics. Their full names have not been independently established in major public sports biographies.
What sport did Alexander Nikishin’s father play?
His father was a competitive boxer who achieved the title of International Master of Sports. He also played recreational ice hockey and introduced Alexander to skating.
Does Alexander Nikishin have a sister?
Yes. Alexander has an older sister who previously participated in equestrian sports and later studied law. Her name has not been reliably confirmed.
Does Alexander Nikishin have a brother?
There is no verified public information confirming that Alexander Nikishin has a brother.
Where is Alexander Nikishin’s family from?
Alexander Nikishin and his family are from Oryol, Russia. Several family members later relocated to Moscow.
Did Alexander Nikishin win the Stanley Cup?
Yes. Alexander Nikishin won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in June 2026.
Combining a deep passion for hockey with an analytical mindset, Carmen Marins covers the NHL from the opening night of the season all the way through the Stanley Cup playoffs. She focuses on game strategy, team chemistry, trade deadline updates, and player performance metrics, breaking down high-speed ice action into engaging, accessible insights for readers.
